How Did Lyndon B Johnson's Desire To Help People
Lyndon B Johnson or LBJ was a very unusual man, driven by power and a desire to help people. Johnson said some people want power “Simply to build prestige, to collect antiques, and to buy pretty things. Well I wanted power to give things to people-all sorts of things to all sorts of people, especially the poor and the blacks.” (Pg. 6) Johnson grew up in Texas born to Sam Johnson, a Texas state representative, and Rebekah Baines, who had prominent Texas ancestors. Undoubtedly this upbringing contributed to the complicated man he became. Johnson learned to use his stature and overall presence to intimidate and get his way. Robert Dallek wrote, “Johnson’s behavior largely came from the conviction that intimidation was indispensible in bending
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He wanted the presidency but once he had he was afraid of his every move. His treatment was his crown jewel with out it he would not have been nearly as effective as he was. His legislation on equal opportunity and civil rights paved the way for a more equal America. This was his greatest achievement and it is a travesty that so few know of his desire to help people. Johnson was even with his failings one of the best presidents this country has ever seen. He cared deeply for his citizens and it showed his passion and drive should never be forgotten. But for all of LBJ’s greatness he was quite crude. Once when LBJ stopped to relieve himself at the side of the road he urinated on Secret Service Agent. The agent said, “Mr. President, you are urinating on me.” To which Johnson replied, “I know I am… it’s my prerogative.” (Pg. 186) Johnson was also well known to have ongoing affairs with two different women. He would try to bed anyone the fit his fancy and it had repercussions. ‘When his journalist friend told Johnson of his new bride Johnson asked to meet her. The Journalist replied, “I’m scared to introduce her to you.”’ (Pg. 187) Fortunately these traits were not well known to the public because in the wake of JFK they probably would not have been taken
He wanted the presidency but once he had he was afraid of his every move. His treatment was his crown jewel with out it he would not have been nearly as effective as he was. His legislation on equal opportunity and civil rights paved the way for a more equal America. This was his greatest achievement and it is a travesty that so few know of his desire to help people. Johnson was even with his failings one of the best presidents this country has ever seen. He cared deeply for his citizens and it showed his passion and drive should never be forgotten. But for all of LBJ’s greatness he was quite crude. Once when LBJ stopped to relieve himself at the side of the road he urinated on Secret Service Agent. The agent said, “Mr. President, you are urinating on me.” To which Johnson replied, “I know I am… it’s my prerogative.” (Pg. 186) Johnson was also well known to have ongoing affairs with two different women. He would try to bed anyone the fit his fancy and it had repercussions. ‘When his journalist friend told Johnson of his new bride Johnson asked to meet her. The Journalist replied, “I’m scared to introduce her to you.”’ (Pg. 187) Fortunately these traits were not well known to the public because in the wake of JFK they probably would not have been taken